The dataset contains data on the dynamics of faecal water content (FWC) and the dynamics of the free-living stages of Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta. FWC DATA file presents the data on dynamics of faecal water content recorded each day. Worksheet DRYING presents FWC dynamics when no water was added. Worksheet WATER presents FWC dynamics with constant volume of water addition. Data files TCOLDATA, TELADATA and TVDATA present the different free-living stages of nematode life cycle: eggs, pre-infective larvae, intra-pellet infective larvae and extra-pellet infective larvae. The average daily temperatures and FWC recorded are also included (worksheet COUNTS). Worksheets SHELFWISE in each data file present the average of three-replicate counts from each shelf every day. This average count was calculated to counts per gram of dry matter (faeces) to account for differences in FWC arising in different experimental units.